Category Archives: Consumer affairs

Not a blunder

Posted on 2020-02-09 by Ramsden

We take a look at the changeover to decimal currency which occurred almost 50 years ago, and ask if there are any lessons to be learned that will help resolve the UK’s current measurement muddle. Likes(7)Dislikes(0)

Posted in Consumer affairs, General, History | Tagged blunder, decimal currency, decimalisation, Government policy, metric measures, metrication | 7 Comments

Our common measurement language

Posted on 2019-11-15 by ronniec

One of the most important, and perhaps surprising, human achievements during the nineteen and twentieth centuries was the adoption around the world of a common language of measurement. Ronnie Cohen provides an illustration of the benefits this can bring. Likes(17)Dislikes(0)

Posted in Consumer affairs, Technical | Tagged measurement units, metric, product descriptions | 11 Comments

Muddled measures in car brochures

Posted on 2019-11-05 by ronniec

One of the last bastions of imperial units is our road network and hence car manufacturers’ marketing campaigns. Ronnie Cohen has been looking at some their promotional material. Likes(15)Dislikes(2)

Posted in Consumer affairs, Road signs, Technical, Transport | Tagged car brochures, Department for Transport, DfT, dual-unit, electric vehicle, EV, imperial measures, metric, Road signs | 3 Comments

Metric reminders for your holiday

Posted on 2019-07-22 by ronniec

As we approach the summer holiday season, Ronnie Cohen looks at the familiar metric units that we are likely to encounter wherever we go on holiday. And, yes, that includes the USA, although its exceptionalism is likely to provide us with a few problems. … Continue reading →

Posted in Consumer affairs, General, Health, Sport, Transport, Views from abroad | Tagged abroad, familiar, foreign, holiday, measurement units, metric, season, unit, units | 6 Comments

Measuring tapes – choice for some

Posted on 2019-06-04 by Ramsden

In the unlikely event of Donald Trump deciding to buy a measuring tape while he is in Britain, he will find a wide choice of a type that is popular in the US. Indeed, he may have difficulty finding any other. … Continue reading →

Posted in Consumer affairs, General, Technical | Tagged centimetres, feet, inches, measuring tapes, metric, USC | 12 Comments

Hybrids, old and new

Posted on 2019-03-12 by Ramsden

We have come across two examples of hybrid measures, and speculate if these might help in those countries struggling with the transition from old to new measures. Likes(30)Dislikes(4)

Posted in Consumer affairs, General, Recipes | Tagged cup, hybrid measures, imperial, imperial measures, measurement units, metric, metric foot, weights and measures | 9 Comments

Think metric – don’t convert

Posted on 2018-11-29 by ronniec

The editor remembers this slogan from his time in the UK construction industry in the early 1970’s. Almost half a century later, Ronnie Cohen gives real-world examples of metric quantities that may help those who are not as familiar with … Continue reading →

Posted in Consumer affairs, Education, General, Uncategorized | Tagged conversion, imperial, measurement units, metric, metrication, thnk metric | 7 Comments

Is perfect the enemy of good?

Posted on 2018-11-10 by Ramsden

Recent experience in France and Greece and a comment last week by Charlie P on this site has prompted us to ask if it would be better if supporters of metric measures were less pedantic. Likes(31)Dislikes(0)

Posted in Consumer affairs, Education, General, Media | Tagged measurement units, metric, perfect_is_the_enemy_of_good, SI | 17 Comments

The new £50 note

Posted on 2018-11-02 by Ramsden

It was announced today that the new polymer £50 note will celebrate the UK’s achievements in science, and will feature a prominent British scientist. Nominations from the public are invited. Likes(23)Dislikes(0)

Posted in Consumer affairs, Science | Tagged 50poundnote, British scientists, metric, SI | 12 Comments

Style guide revisited

Posted on 2018-08-23 by Ramsden

The Measurements units style guide, published by UKMA in 2012, is now available on line with an index. In this article, we outline the purpose of the Guide and note recent enhancements. Likes(24)Dislikes(9)

Posted in Consumer affairs, Education, General, Media | Tagged Education, measurement units, metric, style-guide | 21 Comments